Platform for Social Change

Nod Verde is an enterprise where people in Romania can buy and receive local products directly from households and farmers in Cluj and its surroundings. It’s a place of quality, care, and strong producer-consumer connections. Supported by the Romanian American Foundation, Nod Verde empowers small farmers to access the agri-food market and creates a more sustainable food system. By building a stronger, more inclusive food network, this project supports rural livelihoods and drives meaningful change in Romania’s agricultural landscape. 📹 Learn more about their story in this video: https://bit.ly/499Leii 📖 Discover Nod Verde Food Hub, an initiative by the Civitas Foundation for Civil Society Cluj in Romania: https://bit.ly/3CHirFG We invite you to also visit they website to get to know more: www.nodverde.ro 🌍 For more examples of social economy innovation in the agri-food sector, follow our #GRAINSforaGreenerFuture campaign: www.diesis.coop/grains #SocialEconomy #AgriFoodInnovation #SustainableDevelopment

The development of social entrepreneurship is more than just economic growth — it’s about creating meaningful impact that transforms lives. This year, Platform for Social Change conducted the first comprehensive study on the state of social entrepreneurship in the Khmelnytskyi region, uncovering key insights to drive progress 🙌 What does this mean for the region? ▪️Identifying challenges: we revealed critical issues faced by local initiatives, such as workforce shortages and limited resources. ▪️Unlocking new potential: faith-based communities and small businesses were highlighted as powerful yet untapped drivers of social change. ▪️Building support structures: we established a platform to provide effective assistance, ensuring tangible impact on local communities. Why this matters? 🤔 This study is more than data — it’s the foundation for future action. The insights shape our upcoming programs and pave the way for meaningful partnerships with international organizations. Social entrepreneurship has the potential to be a cornerstone for economic stability and social cohesion in the Khmelnytskyi region, demonstrating that local efforts can spark global impact. At Platform for Social Change, we believe in empowering local initiatives to create a global change. We invite international donors and organizations to join us in supporting this transformative movement. Together, we can amplify social entrepreneurship and drive sustainable development. We invite you to explore the key insights from the research in the carousel. Research was conducted together with Pro-Consulting.

Small and Medium sized enterprises are the backbone of Ukraine's recovery 🙌 In the face of unprecedented challenges, Ukrainian SMEs are proving their resilience. From creating local jobs to driving innovation, these businesses are not just surviving — they’re leading the way in rebuilding communities. Organizations like Platform for Social Change are stepping in to empower SMEs with tools, mentorship, and financial support, ensuring they play a pivotal role in the nation’s recovery. Discover how social SMEs are adapting, innovating, and fostering hope for a stronger Ukraine in our latest article from Platform for Social Change Co-Founder, Head of Fundraising and Business Development Mykhaylo Melnyk. Together, we can support their journey toward lasting growth and peace. Read more below ⬇️ #Ukraine #SMEs #EconomicRecovery #SocialImpact #SocialEntrepreneurship

The youth community “Tutti i Santi” has been a cornerstone of service at the All Saints Church of the Ukrainian Nation in Ternopil 💫 For years, their impactful work included organizing charitable drives, supporting orphanages, hosting spiritual events, and running children’s camps and weekly gatherings. With a grant from the Platform for Social Change, this vibrant community has taken its activities to the next level. What Changed? 🤔 The grant enabled the creation of a modern, comfortable space that has become the hub of “Tutti i Santi” activities. This new facility serves multiple purposes: • platform for youth meetings, games, and dances. • safe shelter during air raid alerts. • space to expand their reach, attracting 35 active members and involving more children in events. This new space not only enhanced the implementation of existing initiatives but also laid the foundation for new projects that positively impact the community. With increased capacity and a dedicated venue, “Tutti i Santi” has been able to deepen its engagement, attract more youth, and broaden its service to those in need. This story demonstrates how strategic funding can be a catalyst for growth and social change. By supporting “Tutti i Santi,” the Platform for Social Change empowered a youth-led organization to scale its impact, foster resilience, and inspire hope in a time of uncertainty 💙 Investing in initiatives like these is not just about supporting infrastructure — it is about fueling sustainable, community-driven development. Together, we can continue to create spaces that transform lives and build stronger communities. Join us in this journey! Learn more about Platform for Social Change: https://lnkd.in/dKs8HzRy #SocialEntrepreneurship #SocialImpact #ReligiousOrganisation #RuralCommunities #Ukraine

Learn more about eco-friendly packaging with GRAINS 🌍 Platform for Social Change together with the #GRAINSproject invites you to a training on eco-friendly packaging and zero waste strategy in the agri-food sector. Don't miss the opportunity to communicate with industry experts and learn about modern eco-friendly packaging alternatives! 🗓 When: 27/11 ⏰ Time: 10:30 - 14:30 The meeting will be held online and in English. Registration is open via the link: https://lnkd.in/d4jFzGX8

Congratulations on Social Entrepreneurship Day! 🙌 Today, we acknowledge the crucial role of social enterprises in driving meaningful change within communities and economies worldwide. Social enterprises are not only tools for innovation but also essential for addressing critical social and economic challenges. At Platform for Social Change, we work to advance social entrepreneurship in Ukraine, fostering sustainability and empowering communities through innovative and impactful projects. Through our efforts, we: ▪️help NGOs and rural communities to develop social enterprises that drive local economic growth and resilience. ▪️work with youth, equipping them with skills to succeed in the social economy and promoting eco-friendly and digital transitions. ▪️support small and medium-sized enterprises in the agri-food sector to adopt environmentally friendly technologies, fostering sustainable development. ▪️assist civil society organizations to become more financially sustainable and amplify their social impact through social entrepreneurship initiatives. We extend our gratitude to our Ukrainian and international partners for their dedication to promoting social innovations and inclusivity. Your collaboration strengthens the global social enterprise movement and showcases the transformative potential of working together 💙 💫 As we honor the remarkable efforts of social entrepreneurs, we invite international organizations to join us in scaling this impact. Supporting social enterprises today means contributing to a fairer, greener, and more inclusive future for communities in Ukraine and beyond. Learn more about us via the website: https://lnkd.in/dXuiEijq #SocialEntrepreneurship #SocialEntrepreneurshipDay #SocialEntrepreneurshipinUkraine #UkraineRecovery #SocialImpact

Youth unemployment in Ukraine often exceeds 15%, and in rural communities, the situation can be even more challenging. Limited access to technology, resources, and opportunities leaves many young people struggling to find a path forward. At the Platform for Social Change, we are addressing these challenges through a transformative initiative designed to equip NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth in Khmelnytsky Region with the tools they need to thrive. 📍 The part of this initiative introduces an intensive bootcamp series for high school students and teachers, focusing on social entrepreneurship, digital marketing, project management, social entrepreneurship, financial literacy and green technologies In addition to training, participants will receive psychological support, access to mental health resources, and opportunities to receive grants for school and community development. With our deep expertise in rural empowerment and strong local partnerships, Platform for Social Change is uniquely positioned to tackle these challenges. By breaking down barriers and fostering resilience, we aim to build a new generation of leaders and innovators who will shape a more sustainable future for Ukraine. Want to learn more about the impact? 🤔 Check out the infographic to see who applied, what motivated them, and what they hope to achieve ⬇️ #YouthEmpowerment #SocialEntrepreneurship #UkraineRecovery #EducationInnovation

Story of a social-entrepreneurial ecosystem rooted in community 🙌 Today we would like to share story of Davydiv Dvir – a social-entrepreneurial ecosystem that originated from a family pizzeria in the village of Davydiv, near Lviv. Founded by priest Oleh Luka and his wife, pizzeria transformed into a center of local change and became a hub for the development of social initiatives. Today, the ecosystem includes not only pizzeria but also a pasta production enterprise, a children's center, and a charitable foundation. Each of these components works towards a shared social mission — community development and support for socially significant projects in the community 💫 The name Davydiv Dvir is connected to the historical heritage of the village of Davydiv, which once served as a resting point on an ancient trade route. This name reflects a culture of hospitality that the founders aim to preserve and develop. The pizzeria has become a meeting place and a center for social integration, offering modern cuisine and more than 20 types of signature pizza. Davydiv Dvir supports social initiatives through monthly events, a portion of whose proceeds go to charity. Before the full-scale invasion, the pizzeria organized various events aimed at helping the local community, and with the onset of the war, it focused on supporting Ukrainian military personnel, particularly those from Davidiv and surrounding areas. Through the charitable foundation Wings for Dreams and other social projects, Davydiv Dvir provides assistance to vulnerable groups and promotes social responsibility in the region. The innovative ecosystem of Davydiv Dvir exemplifies how business and social initiatives can coexist and strengthen one another. With support from Platform for Social Change, Davydiv Dvir has been able to expand and sustain its impact. We provided essential equipment to enhance production for both the pizzeria and the pasta enterprise, increasing efficiency and enabling sustainable growth. 📍 This collaborative support has helped to deepen its contributions to economic stability and social progress within the community, demonstrating how social entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for change in Ukraine.

As global interest in social responsibility rises, social enterprises are becoming key players in driving sustainable development and economic growth 🙌 Ukraine, amid the challenges of war, is increasingly turning to these enterprises as tools for community recovery and empowerment. Initiatives like “Buy Social” in Europe and Ukraine’s “Made in Ukraine” showcase the power of supporting local products, employing vulnerable groups, and contributing to a greener, more responsible economy. In Ukraine, social enterprises not only help tackle pressing social issues but also create jobs, integrate displaced persons, and strengthen local communities, especially in regions affected by war. With growing demand for ethically-driven brands and the global shift toward ESG practices, Ukrainian social enterprises have immense potential to align with global markets. This movement is not a passing trend but a powerful strategy for building a resilient, inclusive, and self-sufficient economy. 📍 Read more about the rise of social enterprises in Ukraine in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/dfpDGSTx #SocialEconomy #SocialEnterprise #SustainableDevelopment #Ukraine

Meet L[ag]UM: A Rooftop Urban Farm Revolutionizing Agriculture and Community in Brussels 🌿 L[ag]UM is an initiative that combines urban agriculture with environmental awareness and community engagement. Located in the heart of Brussels, this rooftop farm cultivates over 50 varieties of vegetables, 25 types of aromatic plants, small fruits, and edible flowers 🌻 More than just a farm, L[ag]UM promotes bio-intensive production methods while offering training sessions and educational resources to raise awareness about urban agriculture’s impact. The project invites visitors to reflect on the challenges and opportunities within the sector 🤓 The farm also supplies fresh produce to a nearby restaurant just 300 meters away, offers weekly self-pick opportunities for local residents, and donates surplus harvest to vulnerable communities through the Ixelles CPAS program. This participatory research project is created in collaboration between Refresh Brussels, the Ixelles Commune, and the Agroecology Laboratory at ULB. Discover more in the interview with Marie Goza, one of the project leads, and explore their work via the website: https://lnkd.in/gJKhWuEZ Also, we invite you to watch their story: https://lnkd.in/gbaeMkd5 Looking for more inspiring social economy examples? Follow our #GRAINSforaGreenerFuture campaign for more insights on the www.diesis.coop/grains 💚